Decorative retaining assembly for a shoelace

ABSTRACT

A retaining assembly for the shoelaces of a shoe, including at least one, but more practically, a plurality of retaining members, each including a base and a retaining structure that serves to retain a different free end of a shoelace in a secured, stored position within or on the shoe. Each retaining structure is dimensioned and configured to pass through a predetermined eyelet of the shoe, such that a corresponding free end of the shoelace is retained in the stored position on the interior of the shoe. The retaining structure further includes an intermediate region structured to engage the shoelace when the said base is disposed in an operative position on the shoe. Also, the retaining assembly preferably includes a display for displaying decorative and/or informative indicia permanently or removably disposed on the display area.

The present Non-Provisional patent application claims priority pursuantto 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to a currently pending and prior filedProvisional patent application, namely, that having Ser. No. 61/649,583filed on May 21, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to a decorative and utilitarian retainingassembly structured to maintain a shoelace on a shoe in a predeterminedyet untied, secured and/or stored position. The retaining assembly oneor more retaining members each including a base having a retainingstructure for holding the loose end of a shoe lace and for operativelypositioning the corresponding retaining member on the shoe. A displayarea on each base is disposed to receive and visually display indicia,when the base is disposed in an operative orientation, wherein theindicia may provide a decorative appearance to the retaining assemblyand shoe.

2. Description of the Related Art

With regard to shoes and footwear generally, a very large number ofshoes involve the use of shoelaces that are “laced” or which passthrough a plurality of eyelets extending along the upper side portionsof the shoe and typically overlying the shoe's “tongue.” Once eachshoelace on a shoe has been appropriately pulled through the variousintended eyelets of the shoe, the free ends of the shoelace are normallypulled upwardly and/or outwardly in order to adequately tighten the shoeabout the wearer's foot. Once such a tightening or other manipulation isaccomplished, the free ends of the shoelace are conventionally tied intoa bow, knot or other type of joining formation. This joining of the freeends prevents them from coming free and dangling onto the ground orother supporting surface. As is common with practically all individualswho have worn shoes with shoelaces, they tend to become untied at somepoint. Walking around with loose or dangling shoe laces, because of adisconnection of the free ends thereof, presents potentially dangeroussituations such as the wearer of the shoes tripping over the unconnectedfree ends. It is also annoying to many who wear shoes to have to stop,bend over or sit down and re-tie the free ends of the shoelaces.

To compound this, the circular cross-sectional shape of many shoelacesmade and sold during current times is thought to add to the annoyingfrequency with which shoelaces become untied, loosened and/or dangle andflop about. This may be in contrast to the “flat” shoelace styles whichare believed to remain tied for longer periods of time. Regardless, andperhaps because of the nuisance factor associated with having to tie anduntie shoelaces, there is a growing fad among some in youngergenerations to simply tighten their shoelaces to a desired snugnesslevel, while still allowing the shoe to be pulled off the foot to tie aknot in each shoe lace. This practice also may involve a cutting of theremainder of the shoe lace off, rather than tie the free ends together.While this is one way of addressing the problem of untied shoelaces, theknots can interfere with the wearer's comfort while walking or using theshoe depending on where or how they are knotted. Moreover, this way ofaddressing the problem does not readily offer a smooth or consistentlook or a polished appearance, particularly when the knots are visibleand/or become frayed.

The dangers and annoyances of shoe laces that become untied have alsobeen addressed by several creative devices. Some of these essentiallyinvolve passing both of the free ends of the shoelace into connectedengagement with some type of clamp, bracket or like structure whichattempts to maintain the shoelaces in a joined orientation. That is,most of the known devices attempt to keep the free ends of a shoelacejoined together so that they do not become detached from one another.While such devices offer certain advantages, there are still someproblems that arise when they are used. For instance, one problem ordisadvantage is thought to relate to the reliability of some these knownconnecting devices. As another example, some of these known devices canbe complicated in terms of installation or use on a shoe and itsshoelaces, and often require significant manipulation in order toaccomplish their attachment. As perhaps a greater disadvantage, theseknown devices are often not readily usable on a repetitive basis. Thatis, because the goal of such known devices is to keep the free ends of ashoelace joined or connected during walking, they may requiretime-consuming manipulation to allow a wearer to loosen the connectionwith the shoelaces. In turn, this may require the removal of the shoe ora reverse procedure comprising placing the shoe on the foot andreconnecting and tightening the shoelaces to a suitable a degree.

Also in an effort to address the dangers and irritations associated withshoelaces that become untied, some have made shoes with alternatives toshoe laces, such as the use of straps that rely on Velcro® connectors tokeep the shoe tightened when desired about the foot or to readily loosenthe shoe's fit around the foot when it is desired to remove them. Whilethese types of shoes are incredibly helpful for the parents of smallchildren, as well as the elderly, their primary appeal seems limited tothese two segments of the population.

Accordingly, there is a need in the field of art relating to shoes andfootwear for a new and improved device that addresses the problemassociated with shoelaces becoming untied. If any such device werecreated, it would ideally not require each shoe lace on a shoe to bejoined or connected together, but yet would still be capable of allowingthe shoe to be put on and reliably held in place on a wearer's foot forwalking. Such a proposed device would also allow the shoe to be takenoff, without requiring excessive manipulation by the wearer. If any suchdevice were created, it would ideally also be capable of enhancing theoverall aesthetic appearance of the shoe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This present invention is intended to address these and other problemsin the field of art. As such, the present invention is directed to aretaining assembly comprising at least one retaining member, but morepractically, at least two retaining members. Each retaining member isstructured and operatively disposed to maintain a shoelace in a desiredposition snugly on the foot for both walking, but suitable also fortaking it on or off. As such, each retaining member will maintain atleast one free end of the shoelace in a secured, stored position withoutrequiring the free ends of the shoelace to be tied, knotted or otherwisejoined. In the secured, stored position, the free end(s) of the shoelaceis preferably on or at least partially within the interior of the shoe,but in a location which does not interfere with the comfort of thewearer. Each of the one or more retaining members, when operativelydisposed, overcomes the disadvantages associated with prior art devicesthat keep the free ends of a shoelace tied or joined together, and yetat the same time, reduces the possibility of the free ends becomingundone or detached from the secured and/or stored position.

More specifically, the retaining assembly of the present inventionincludes at least one preferred embodiment, wherein the retaining memberincludes a base having an outer, exposed face or surface and asubstantially oppositely disposed undersurface portion. Moreover, theouter exposed face or surface may include a display area. This displayarea is readily suited for carrying and displaying any of a wide varietyof indicia to offer decorative, aesthetic and/or informative features tothe retaining member and shoe, as desired to please the wearer in any ofvariety of situations. Accordingly, when the retaining member isdisposed in its operative position on a shoe and in retaining relationto a free end of the shoelace, the display area is disposed in anexposed, observable orientation, such that any indicia thereon isreadily viewable. The included indicia to be disposed on the displayarea may be permanently and/or removably placed thereon. The ability ofthe present invention to removably dispose selected indicia on thedisplay area of the retaining member's base allows a user, and inparticular a younger user or sports fan, to repeatedly change theindicia on the display area. As a result, the indicia may assume avariety of different items such as logos, team colors, identifyingnames, pictorial representations, coloring, symbols, rhinestones,sequins, glitter, or a variety of other categories of indicia which aredecorative, informative, symbolic or any combination thereof.

In addition, the retaining member, and its base in particular, can varyin terms of its shape, size and overall structure. By way of example,the configuration of the base, but more preferably, the display areawhich is especially suited for being readily observable on the shoe, maybe structured to be oval, round, circular, or multi-sided, such as asquare, triangle or star shaped, etc. Moreover, the configuration of thedisplay area may correspond to or be distinguishable from theconfiguration of the peripheral boundaries of the base or at least anexposed outer surface portion thereof. It should be apparent therefore,that the ability to form the base of each retaining member into any of avariety of different configurations may further enhance the overalldecorative characteristics or aesthetic appeal of the retaining member,as well as the shoe itself. Further, the size, configuration and overallstructure of the base of each of two or more retaining members, evenwhen mounted on the same footwear, may intentionally vary from oneanother and do not have to match. Moreover, the indicia permanently orremovably disposed on the aforementioned display area of the base mayalso differ, thereby increasing the versatility of the retainingassembly of the present invention.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will also include theretaining member having a retaining structure secured to and extendingoutwardly from the undersurface or under portion of the base. In such adisposition, the retaining structure will be oppositely disposed to theouter face and display area of the base. The retaining structure isdisposed, dimensioned and configured to engage and at least partiallyretain a correspondingly disposed length, region or zone adjacent and/orcorresponding to the free end of the shoelace. Further, the retainingstructure is dimensioned and configured to pass through a selectedeyelet on the shoe or footwear, it being understood that most shoes haveseveral eyelets, usually on a top surface thereof, that are normallyprovided for the passage of a shoelace therethrough. In one preferredembodiment, the retaining member is operatively disposed in overlying,covering relation to an upper, or top, end-most eyelet, such as theeyelet located closest to the access opening or mouth of the shoe,through which the foot normally passes. Naturally, the operativeposition of each of the retaining members may vary such that othereyelets may be utilized to accommodate placement of a retaining memberand the corresponding retaining structure associated therewith.

In one or more preferred embodiments, the retaining structure is alsodimensioned and configured to include an intermediate region having asubstantially pointed configuration, to more readily allow at least thisportion of the retaining structure to pass through the selected eyeletof the shoe and to maintain effective engagement within it or portionsof the shoe surrounding the eyelet, thereby holding the retaining memberin a proper orientation on the shoe, ideally with the display area onthe base situated for being readily observed on the shoe.

Interconnection between the free end of the shoelace, or at least aportion or length adjacent to the free end of the shoelace, and theretaining structure is accomplished by the free end of the shoelacebeing received within the retaining structure. The shoelaces of the shoeare then tightened, so that the shoe will be snugly fit a wearer's footduring walking, while still allowing the shoe to be removed from thefoot. Next, the retaining member is moved into the aforementionedoperative position by passing the retaining structure within and atleast partially through a selected eyelet. When so disposed in theoperative position, the length or zone adjacent the free end of theshoelace held within the retaining structure, as well as the free enditself, will be disposed on an interior portion of the shoe. When sodisposed, any excess length of the shoelace which might interfere withthe comfort of the wearer in using the shoe, may be removed such as bycutting. Thereafter, an adequately sized knot or similar obstructingformation may be formed in the remaining end of the shoelace. Such aknot or other obstruction should be sufficiently large to prevent itspassage through the retaining structure and the eyelet in which theretaining structure is received, but not so large as to cause discomfortto the wearer while walking.

As set forth above, the retaining structure of the present invention isdimensioned and configured to pass through a chosen eyelet on the shoe,in order to dispose the corresponding retaining member in the operativeposition. Accordingly, at least one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention comprises the retaining structure cooperatively structured andconfigured with the undersurface of the base to form a substantiallyclosed and/or closed loop configuration. Therefore structuralconfiguration of the retaining structure is such as to form an interiorthereof comprising an opening, channel or passage, having peripheralboundaries defined by the length of the retaining structure and possiblythe adjacent part of the undersurface of the base to which the retainingstructure is attached. Accordingly, the retained free end of theshoelace passes through the opening or passage of the retainingstructure and is retained in a secured position by the formation of aknot or other enlarged formation on the shoelace end.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the retaining assembly of thepresent invention includes one or more retaining members having aretaining structure with an open interior and/or passage, as set forthabove. In addition, this embodiment of the retaining structure alsoincludes a retaining finger or like member. More specifically, theretaining finger is secured to an inner surface of the retainingstructure and extends into the interior of the opening or passage whichthe retaining structure defines and towards the undersurface of thebase. The free end of the shoelace is received through the opening orpassage on the interior of the retaining structure and will come intoabutting and/or retained engagement with the retaining finger.Therefore, depending upon overall size of the retaining structure andthe interior dimensions thereof, the free end of the shoelace or aportion of the shoelace adjacent thereto will abut, wedge against orotherwise come into retained engagement with the retaining finger. Inaddition, the operative position of this additional preferred embodimentof the retaining member is also generally defined by the base thereofdisposed in overlying relation to a selected eyelet, such that thedisplay area and any indicia formed thereon is disposed in a readilyobservable, exposed orientation.

In light of the foregoing, it can therefore, be appreciated that theretaining assembly of the present invention, in the various preferredembodiments, addresses and overcomes many if not all of thedisadvantages and problems associated with the conventional tying orknotting of the free ends of the shoelace.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will, however, become clearer when the attached drawings, aswell as the detailed description of the invention in various embodimentswhich follows, are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of a retaining assemblyof the present invention in one embodiment, illustrating the assembly inan operative position on a shoe of the type having shoelaces.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the retaining assembly of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 1, and illustrating the base in an embodimenthaving an oval configuration.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exterior top end view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view in partial cutaway intended torepresent a part of a placement procedure for disposing an embodiment ofa retaining member, as shown in FIG. 1, into an operative position on ashoe.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view representing an additional andprobable subsequent step in the placement procedure of the retainingmember as represented in FIG. 5

FIG. 7 is a top view of yet another preferred embodiment of a retainingmember of the retaining assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side end view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, wherein thebase comprises a substantially circular configuration.

FIG. 10 is a top end view of the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9 in retainingrelation to a shoelace.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a retaining member of theretaining assembly according to the present invention in yet anotherpreferred embodiment and unattached to a shoe or shoelace.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top end view of another embodiment of a retaining member ofthe present invention similar to, but distinguishable from, theembodiment of FIGS. 2-4.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of yet another preferred embodimentof a retaining member of the retaining assembly of the present inventionunattached to a shoe or shoelace.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Before any of the embodiments of the present invention are described, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and/or the components set forth in thefollowing description or to the illustrations shown in the accompanyingdrawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed and or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is the forthe purpose of description and should not be regarding as limiting. Theuse of the words “including,” “comprising” or “having” and variationsthereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter andequivalents thereto as well as additional items.

As shown in the accompanying drawings, but with initial reference toFIG. 1, the present invention is directed to a retaining assembly,generally indicated as 10, structured for use on any of a variety ofdifferent shoes or laced footwear generally indicated as 12. At leastone, but more practically, at least two retaining members 14 whichindividually or collectively define the retaining assembly 10, is/areremovably connected to the shoe 12. When connected to a shoelace andinterconnected with a shoe in the operative position illustrated in FIG.1, the retaining member 14 serves to maintain a shoelace 16 and/or morespecifically, a free end 16′ thereof, in a secured, stored position.

The retaining assembly 10 includes at least one retaining member 14disposed in an operative position, as is perhaps best represented inFIG. 1. It will be appreciated that the retaining assembly 10 mayinclude, but does not have to in all cases, two retaining members 14 ona particular shoe, with each retaining member 14 on one of the free endsof the shoelace of one shoe 12, wherein each of the retaining members 14is disposed on opposite sides of the shoe 12. When so positioned, eachretaining member 14 maintains a different one of the two free ends in asecured, stored position. As such, the free ends of the shoelaceassociated with a single shoe 12 of the wearer need not be tied, knottedor otherwise connected to one another, thereby alleviating the wearer ofthe well recognized problems of the free ends of the shoelace 16, 16′becoming undone or untied. It is recognized that FIGS. 1, 5 and 6represent only one side of the shoe 12. Accordingly, while only a singleone of the retaining members 14 may be used, it will perhaps be morecommon for two retaining members 14 to be concurrently used, each on anopposite side of the shoe, in order that both free ends of the shoe laceare maintained in a secured stored position, as set forth in greaterdetail hereinafter.

As shown throughout the various Figures of the drawings, each of the oneor more retaining members 14 comprises a base 18, which in theillustrated embodiments is in the form of a disk-like structure. Assuch, and with initial reference to FIGS. 2-4, the base 18 includes anouter face or surface 20 and an undersurface 21. The undersurface 21 isoppositely disposed to the outer face 20, as clearly represented.Comparison of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 and the additional preferredembodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 7-10 clearly indicate that theoverall configuration and/or size of the base 18 of the retaining member14 may vary. For instance, as clearly represented in FIGS. 1-4, the base18 assumes an oval shape, whereas in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.7-10, the base 118 assumes a circular or round shape. Additionalconfigurations of the base may include, but are not limited to, atriangle, star, multi-sided configuration, etc. Therefore, the overalldecorative and/or aesthetic features of the retaining assembly 10,including each of a plurality of differently dimensioned and configuredretaining members 14, can be changed so as to be distinguishable fromone another through a variation in the shapes, sizes, etc. This is oneway in which the inventive retaining assembly 10 achieves enhancing theappearance of the shoe 12, by use of the retaining member or members 14thereon.

Still referring to the embodiment of the retaining member 14 illustratedin FIGS. 1-4, the outer face 20 of the base 18 preferably includes adisplay area 20′ extending across or over substantially the entireexposed surface thereof or at least a significant portion and/or amajority of such outer surface 20, as is perhaps best shown in FIG. 2.As such, the display area 20′ is sufficiently configured and dimensionedto receive any of a variety of different categories of indicia,generally indicated as 22, thereon by use of the word “LOGO”. Theindicia 22 may be permanently and/or removably disposed on the displayarea 20′ and be represented by various words, logos, combinations ofwords and logos, pictorial displays, colors, symbols, flags, names,photos, etc. The present invention is structured to be capable in someembodiments to have the indicia 22 removably mounted on the display area20′, as younger generations or other categories of users may find itappealing to repeatedly change the indicia to suit a particularsituation, such as a sports game, concert, parade, party, environment or“fad.” However, the indicia 22 may also be permanently disposed on thedisplay area 20, such as by including a particular type of sports team'ssymbol or logo, which as represented in FIG. 1, is the symbol 22′ of aNew York baseball team.

Still referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the retaining member 14further includes a retaining structure, generally indicated as 28 andbest shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown, the retaining structure 28 issecured to and extends outwardly from the undersurface 21 of the base14. The retaining structure 28 forms a substantially closedconfiguration or closed loop or closed loop segment and will preferablybe formed from a rigid material, whether a metal or metallic likematerial, or a semi-rigid material such as plastic(s) and the like, orif desired, an at least partially flexible material. Regardless of thematerial from which the retaining structure 28 is formed, it ispreferred that the opposite ends thereof, as at 28′, are fixedly orpermanently secured to the undersurface 21 of the retaining member 14.The substantially closed configuration of the retaining member 14, asset forth above, may be at least partially defined by an interiorsurface 21′, which corresponds to or itself is defined by a portion ofthe undersurface 21. The retaining structure also includes and an openinterior 30, which may serve as a passage or opening for receiving oneof the free ends of the shoe lace there through, as described in greaterdetail hereinafter. The opening, passage or open interior 30 isperipherally bounded by the length of the retaining structure 28 and inthe embodiment represented in FIGS. 2-4 also by the undersurface portion21′. However, in one or more additional embodiments the retainingstructure 28 may comprise a continuous or fully closed loop, wherein thesurface 21′ is not a part of the closed configuration described above.

Also one or more additional embodiments of the retaining member 14 mayinclude an intermediate portion or region 80 that is formed to have asubstantially pointed configuration, as is best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,and also in FIGS. 11 and 12. It should be readily appreciated, however,that the retaining structure 28 of the inventive retaining member 14 iscapable of other embodiments, such as is illustrated in FIG. 13. Forexemplary purposes, there is shown in FIG. 13 a retaining structure 28having a generally semi-circular closed loop segment, includingundersurface portion 21′, with opposite ends 28′ permanently or fixedlyattached to the corresponding undersurface 21 of base 18, and definingthe boundaries of the passage or open interior 30. Moreover, in theembodiment of FIG. 13 an intermediate portion 80′ includes asubstantially curvilinear configuration.

Accordingly, one feature of the retaining structure is it beingdimensioned and configured especially, but not exclusively, in the areaof the intermediate zone 80, 280, etc., to facilitate the passage ordisposition of the retaining structure 28, 128, 228, etc. at leastpartially through a selected one of the eyelets 32 and into theoperative position, as described herein. Therefore, as represented inthe accompanying Figures, the intermediate portions may be substantiallypointed, rounded or curvilinear or otherwise appropriately shaped tofacilitate the entry and passage of the corresponding retainingstructure into an eyelet.

Accordingly, retaining member 14 of the present invention is structuredto be disposed in an operative position, such as illustrated in FIG. 1.More specifically, the retaining structure 28 of the retaining member 14is dimensioned and configured to be received in and/or pass through anyone of a plurality of eyelets 32 formed along the opening 34 of theupper of the shoe 12, which are shown in FIG. 1. While the retainingstructure 28 may pass through any one of the eyelets 32, it iscontemplated that the retaining member 14 will more practically assumethe illustrated position of FIG. 1, with the retaining member 14disposed within and into the top or end-most eyelet 32′ (also shown inFIG. 4), in order to better retain the free end 16′ of the shoelace 16in a preferred stored position. Also, and as represented in FIGS. 5 and6, which will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the top orendmost eyelet 32′ is that eyelet which is normally located closest tothe access opening 38 of the shoe 12, through which the foot of thewearer passes when entering the interior of the shoe 12.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate, at least partially, one method of disposingthe retaining member 14 in the intended operative position of FIG. 1. Itshould be noted however, that in most cases, but perhaps not all, theshoe 12 will have the shoelaces already laced in the traditional mannerthrough various eyelets 32 extending along the front of the shoe 12.Also, while the method is described with reference to a single retainingmember 14, substantially the same procedure is applicable to theoperative positioning of each of the retaining members 14. Referring nowto FIG. 5, in utilizing the present invention, the method of applyingthe retaining member 14 involves passing the free end 16′ of a shoelace16 from an interior of the shoe 12 outwardly through a selected eyelet,and ideally, the top or end-most eyelet 32′. Next, with reference now toFIG. 6, the exteriorly exposed free end 16′ is passed through the openinterior 30 which comprises a channel or passage defined by theretaining structure 28. The free end 16′ is then passed back through thesame selected eyelet 32′. For purposes of clarity the illustration, theretaining member 14 and its retaining structure 28 are not shown inorder to adequately represent the path of travel of the free end 16′ inproperly attaching the retaining member 14 in the proper operativeposition.

Still referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, but also to FIG. 1, the free end 16′of the shoelace 16 first passes underneath the shoe's upper periphery 35as at the flap 35′ or portions 34 or 34′, which are adjacent theposition of the top or end-most eyelet 32′. As noted previously herein,the shoelace 16 will in most cases already be pulled through othereyelets 32 in the shoe 12 and will extend across the tongue of the shoe12 from an eyelet located on the opposite side of the tongue (notshown). Once beneath the upper periphery 35 of the shoe, as at the flap35′ or portions 34 or 34′, the free end 16′ of the shoelace 16 passesout through the selected eyelet, as at 32′ as set forth above. Once thefree end 16′ passes through the open interior 30 defined by theretaining structure 28, it then passes back through the selected eyelet32′ into the interior of the shoe 12. When the free end 16′ is sodisposed on the interior of the shoe 12, a pulling force can be exertedthereon which will draw the retaining structure 28 into the interior ofthe shoe 12 through the selected eyelet 32′. As such, the free end 16′of the shoelace will be at least partially, if not fully retained withinthe shoe 12, and further, the undersurface 21 of the retaining member'sbase 18 will be disposed in substantially confronting, overlyingrelation to the outer surface of the flap 35′ or portions 34 and 34′ andin covering relation to the selected eyelet 32′, as is perhaps bestshown in FIG. 1. As should be apparent from a review of all thepreferred embodiments of the present invention, the confronting,overlying relation of the undersurface of the base to the outer surfaceof the shoe 12 and/or selected eyelet 32 may include a direct engagementthere between and/or a facing, at least partially spaced orientation ofthe undersurface of the base relative to the outer surface of the shoe12 and/or eyelet 32.

Should there be an excessively long free end 16″ on the free end section16′ of the shoe lace being stored in the interior of the shoe 12, thismay be cut or otherwise separated from the remainder of the shoelace 16,so as to allow for greater comfort and/or better efficiency inmaintaining the free end 16′ (and/or retaining member 14) in theoperative position shown in FIG. 1, but as also represented in FIG. 4.After removal of the excessive length 16″, the remaining free end 16′ ofthe shoelace 16 may be formed into a knot or other obstructing formation19. The knot or obstruction 19 should be of sufficient dimension toprevent or significantly limit the possibility of it passing backthrough the interior 30 of the retaining structure 28 and/or out throughthe selected eyelet 32′. As such, the remaining free end 16′ of theshoelace 16 will be maintained in a secured, stored position on theinterior of the shoe 12.

As also represented in FIG. 4, one advantage of positioning theretaining structure 28 into and through a selected eyelet, such as 32′,is the positioning of the retaining member's base 18 in a substantially“flat” orientation on the outer surface of the shoe 12. This preferredflat or substantially flat orientation may, more specifically, bedefined by the undersurface 21 being disposed in substantiallyconfronting relation to the outer surface 34 or 35 of the shoe 12 and/orin confronting engagement therewith. The flat orientation of the base18, as described above, is believed to further enhance the overallappearance of the retaining assembly 10, as well as the shoe 12, whenthe retaining member(s) 14 are in the aforementioned operative positionof FIGS. 1 and 4.

As has been noted above, in certain preferred embodiments such as areillustrated in FIGS. 3-4 and also in FIGS. 11-12, the retainingstructure 28 comprises an elongated, closed or substantially closed loopwith an intermediate, substantially pointed configuration. From theforegoing description relative to FIGS. 5 and 6 and with furtherreference to FIGS. 11 and 12 as well as the method of disposing theretaining member 14 in the intended operative position, it can beappreciated that the retaining structure 28 having an intermediateportion 80 or 280 which is substantially pointed may be preferred forsome applications. Moreover, while other configurations of theintermediate portion are functional, the substantially pointedconfiguration may be preferred because it significantly aids in bothretaining the free end 16′ of the shoelace within the interior of theshoe 12, and in maintaining the proper orientation of the retainingmember 14 on the shoe. This is because all, nearly all, or at least aportion of the intermediate pointed configuration of the retainingstructure 28 facilitates its passage into the selected eyelet, such as32′, depending upon the diameter of same, while simultaneously engagingthe shoelace and holding it in position with the pointed tip thereof.Further, because the retaining structure 28 tapers outwardly, away fromthe intermediate pointed configuration and down towards the undersurface21 of the base 18, all or part of this tapering section of retainingstructure 18 can also be pushed into the eyelet 32′ and thereby, to besnugly fitted within eyelet 32′ such that some gripping action or slightfrictional tension exists there-between which helps to maintain theretaining member 14 in the desired orientation on the shoe 12 forviewing of the display area 20′.

With reference now to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is illustrated yet anotherpreferred embodiment of a retaining assembly according to the presentinvention, which is generally indicated as 210. The retaining assembly210 varies in structure and appearance somewhat from the retainingassembly 10 described previously with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4,but the function and installation features thereof are similar to orsubstantially equivalent. More specifically, in this additionalpreferred embodiment, the retaining assembly 210 also includes at leastone retaining member 214, but more practically, two retaining members214, disposable in an operative position on a shoe 12, as has been shownin FIG. 1 and described above. In addition, each of the one or moreretaining members 214 comprises a base 218, which is also preferably inthe form of a disk-like structure. As such, the base 218 includes anouter face or surface 220 and an under surface 221. The under surface221 is oppositely disposed to the outer face 220, as is perhaps bestrepresented in FIG. 12. As with the above described preferred embodimentrepresented in FIGS. 1 through 4, the retaining assembly 210 and morespecifically, each of the one or more retaining members 214, may vary insize, configuration, etc. As such, any of a plurality of distinctive,decorative features may be provided in order to enhance the appearanceof the shoe 12 to a wearer's particular taste, desires, or needs for anygiven occasion. That is, and referring now to FIG. 12 in particular, inthis additional preferred embodiment the retaining member 214 includes adisplay area 220′ on the outer face 220, which is similar in purpose,function and structure to the display area 20′ of the embodimentillustrated in and described relative to FIGS. 1-4. As such, the displayarea 220′ is sufficiently configured and dimensioned to either fixedlyreceive or to removably receive any of a variety of different categoriesof indicia thereon, whether a logo affiliate with a particular sportsteam, university, school, flag, product, etc.

Still referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, this additional preferred embodimentof the retaining assembly 210 is seen to include a retaining structuregenerally indicated as 228. The retaining structure 228 is also securedto and extends outwardly from the undersurface 221 of the base 218.Ideally, and as shown in these drawings, the retaining structure 228includes an elongated fully closed configuration or substantially closedloop or configuration when considered with the corresponding orcontiguous portion of the undersurface 221. Also, an intermediate region280 preferably includes a substantially pointed configuration.Furthermore, and as described above, relative to the embodiment of FIGS.2-4, the retaining structure 228 may be formed from either a rigid,semi-rigid or at least partially flexible material. Regardless of thematerial from which the retaining structure 228 is formed, it ispreferred that the opposite ends thereof, as at 228′, are fixedly orpermanently secured to the under surface 221. The retaining member 214includes an interior surface 221′ corresponding to a portion of theundersurface 221, and an open interior 230 or passage as defined by thelegs of the retaining structure 228.

Moreover, the retaining structure 228 is dimensioned and configured tobe received in and/or pass through any one of a plurality of eyelets 32formed along the opening 34 on the upper portion of a shoe 12, but mostpractically, in the top or end-most eyelet 32′ as has been describedpreviously. That is, and as can be appreciated from the drawings, andFIG. 11 in particular, that the legs of the retaining structure 228begin to taper or diverge outwardly as at 229, adjacent the intermediateregion 280 with its pointed configuration, and down towards theundersurface 221 of the base 218. Ideally, all or part of this taperingsection of the retaining structure 228 is structured to be snugly fittedwithin the eyelet 32′ of a shoe 12, and thereby, to help maintain thedesired orientation of the retaining member 214 on the shoe 12. When solocated, and as has been described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6previously, the retaining member 214 is disposed to retain the free end16′ of the shoelace 16 in a preferred, stored orientation.

One distinguishing structural feature included in the additionalpreferred embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 is the provision of a peripheralflange or skirt, as is generally indicated at 250 in FIG. 11. As shownin FIG. 11, the peripheral flange or skirt 250 may be more specificallydefined by plurality of spaced apart skirt or flange segments 252. Eachof the segments 252 extends transversely upwards and/or outwardly fromthe inner surface 221 so as to be disposed in at least partiallysurrounding relation to the retaining structure 228. The relative sizesof the skirt or flange segments 252 as compared to the retainingstructure 228 is such that at least a portion of the legs, as at 229,including the intermediate region 280 with its substantially pointedconfiguration, may protrude above and/or beyond the outer peripheries252′ of the flange segments 252, as best represented in FIG. 12.

Referring again to FIG. 11, additional structural features of theadditional preferred embodiment represented in FIGS. 11 and 12 includethe provision of at least one, but preferably two, opposed spaces 260which collectively serve to separate the plurality of skirt or flangesegments 252 from one another. These spaces 260 are ideally disposed,dimensioned and configured to facilitate the passage there-through orplacement therein of at least a portion of a shoelace 16. Also, theplurality of spaces 260 may facilitate the mounting or positioning ofthe one or more retaining members 214 in the operative position, asdemonstrated in FIG. 1, on the shoe 12. As explained previously hereinwith specific reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, both the embodiments of theretaining assembly 10 and the additional preferred embodiment 210 may bedisposed in the illustrated operative position in substantially the samemanner. Accordingly it is emphasized that the procedure demonstrated anddescribed with reference to FIGS. 4-6 for disposing each of one or moreretaining members 14 in the intended operative position of FIG. 1 issubstantially the same as applied to the operative positioning of theretaining members 214.

With reference now to FIG. 14, the retaining member 214 is shown to havea retaining structure 228 in an alternative embodiment, similar to thatshown in FIG. 13. Here as well, the retaining structure 228 shares allor nearly all of the features and characteristics that have beendescribed previously herein relative to FIGS. 11 and 12. However, theretaining structure 228 shown in FIG. 14 includes a generallysemi-circular loop segment between opposite ends 228′ which as before,are permanently or fixedly attached to the corresponding undersurface 21of base 18, and define the boundaries of the open interior 230 orpassageway for the shoelace 16.

With reference now to FIGS. 7-10, there is shown yet another embodimentof a retaining assembly in accordance with the present invention. Here,the retaining assembly 110 comprises a retaining member 114′ having abase 118′ and an outer face 120 oppositely disposed to an undersurface121. As represented in FIG. 9, the base 118′ includes a display area120′ on the outer face 120 which is structured to permanently orremovably receive appropriate indicia 122 thereon, similar to theindicia 22 represented in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 anddescribed previously. Also in this embodiment, each of the plurality ofretaining members 114′ further include a retaining structure, asgenerally indicated at 128 in FIGS. 7 and 8. However, in this embodimenteach retaining structure 128 comprises a partially closed orsubstantially closed interior 130, as is best shown in FIG. 7.Preferably, a retaining finger 135 is secured to an inner surfaceportion of the retaining structure 128 and extends into the interior 130towards the correspondingly disposed undersurface 121′. As such, theretaining finger 135 is disposable into abutting, wedging orinterruptive engagement with a shoelace 116 as shown in FIG. 10, andmore specifically, a free end portion 116′ of the shoelace 116.Engagement of the shoelace 116 and/or the free end 116′ thereof withretaining finger 135 will serve to prevent inadvertent removal of theshoelace 116, 116′ from the interior 130 of the retaining structure 128.This, in turn, will assure that the shoelace 116 and/or free end 116′ ismaintained in a secure, stored position as schematically represented inFIG. 10.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly for retaining free ends of a shoelacein a stored position on a shoe, said assembly comprising: at least oneretaining member including a base comprising an outer face and anundersurface, said outer face disposed in an exposed orientation whensaid base is in an operative position on the shoe, a retaining structuresecured to said base and extending outwardly from said under surface,said retaining structure including an open interior and being structuredand disposed to engage a correspondingly disposed portion of the shoelace within said open interior, and said retaining structure dimensionedand configured to include a sufficient length to at least partiallyextend through an eyelet of the shoe when said one retaining member isin said operative position.
 2. An assembly as recited in claim 1 whereinsaid outer face comprises a display area disposed in an observableorientation when said one retaining member is in said operativeposition.
 3. An assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said display areais dimensioned and configured to include indicia disposed thereon.
 4. Anassembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said display area and saidindicia are cooperatively structured to removably dispose said indiciaon said display area.
 5. An assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein saiddisplay area is defined by at least a majority of a surface area of saidouter face.
 6. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said retainingstructure further comprises an intermediate region cooperativelydisposed and dimensioned with a remainder or said retaining structure tofacilitate passage of said retaining structure at least partiallythrough the eyelet.
 7. An assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein saidintermediate region comprises a substantially curvilinear configuration.8. An assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said intermediate regioncomprises a substantially pointed configuration.
 9. An assembly asrecited in claim 8 wherein said retaining structure comprises a taperingsection configured to at least partially diverge outwardly from saidintermediate region towards said undersurface.
 10. An assembly asrecited in claim 6 wherein said retaining structure comprises a taperingsection configured to at least partially diverge outwardly from saidintermediate region towards said undersurface.
 11. An assembly asrecited in claim 1 wherein said operative position is at least partiallydefined by said undersurface disposed in confronting relation to theshoe.
 12. An assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said operativeposition is further defined by at least a majority of said undersurfacebeing disposed in confronting engagement with the shoe.
 13. An assemblyas recited in claim 12 wherein said operative position is furtherdefined by said base disposed in overlying, covering relation to theeyelet.
 14. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said retainingstructure and said undersurface collectively define an opening having asubstantially closed peripheral configuration, said opening dimensionedto receive the shoelace therethrough.
 15. An assembly as recited inclaim 1 wherein said retaining structure further comprises an openinterior and at least one retaining finger secured to a remainder ofsaid retaining structure and extending inwardly into said open interior,into retaining engagement with a portion of the shoelace disposedtherein.
 16. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said base furtherincludes a peripheral flange structure secured thereto and extendingtransversely outward from said undersurface.
 17. An assembly as recitedin claim 16 wherein said peripheral flange comprises a plurality offlange segments disposed in spaced relation to one another; at least onespace disposed between adjacent ones of said flange segments, said onespace being disposed and dimensioned to receive a portion of a shoelacetherein, when said base is in said operative position.
 18. An assemblyas recited in claim 1 wherein said operative position comprises saidretaining structure disposed at least partially through the eyelet, inreceiving relation to the shoelace; said undersurface disposed inconfronting relation to an outer surface of the shoe and in overlyingrelation to the eyelet and said outer surface comprising a display areadisposed in an exposed, visually observably orientation relative to anexterior of the shoe.
 19. An assembly for retaining free ends of ashoelace in a stored position on a shoe, said assembly comprising: aplurality of retaining members each including a base comprising an outerface and an undersurface, said outer face disposed in an exposedorientation when said base in is an operative position on the shoe, eachof said retaining members including a retaining structure secured tosaid base and extending outwardly from said undersurface, said retainingstructure including an open interior disposed to engage and retain acorrespondingly disposed portion of the shoelace within said openinterior, each of said retaining structures dimensioned and configuredto include a sufficient length to at least partially extend through aneyelet of the shoe when said corresponding retaining member is in saidoperative position, at least some of said retaining structured furthercomprising an intermediate portion cooperatively disposed with aremainder of corresponding ones of said retaining structures tofacilitate passage of said corresponding retaining structure at leastpartially through the eyelet, and at least some of said retainingstructures further comprising a tapering section configured to at leastpartially diverge outwardly from said intermediate portion towards saidundersurface of a corresponding one of said bases.
 20. An assembly asrecited in claim 19 wherein said operative position comprises saidretaining structure disposed at least partially through the eyelet, inreceiving relation to the shoelace; said undersurface disposed inconfronting relation to an exterior of the shoe and in overlyingrelation to the eyelet and said outer surface of said base comprising adisplay area disposed in an exposed, visually observably orientationrelative to the exterior of the shoe.